Maasais Are Politicians And Athletes Too

Maasais are politicians and athletes too! Maasais are not only ancient tribal herders but have proven to be great states people and world-class athletes as well. Their urge to represent well in the country’s leading classes is seen in Joseph Ole Lenku who vied for a governor’s place in the 2017 polls. Likewise, David Rudisha stands proof to their superb sporty prowess. His march towards earning the third-time gold winner for the 800m race at the 2020 Olympics is pretty note worthy. And he stands a good chance. Anyone awed with this roving tribe would be equally in awe to learn about the journey of these 2 Maasai men and their backgrounds.

Maasais are politicians and athletes too

Joseph Ole Lenku

Joseph Ole Lenku was born in Kajiado county on the 20^th of October 1970. Following the death of Kajiado South MP Geoffrey Mepukori in 2003, Ole Lenku vied for the seat but lost it to Katoo Ole Metito. Soon after, he resumed a career in the travel and service industry.

Former CS

Uhuru made Lenku the Interior CS on the 23^rd of May 2013 becoming the 3rd person to come from Kajiado County. During his tenure, he had a lot of hurdles, but during the 1st year, he steered a lot of reforms in the sector, which includes a crackdown on drug trading, transfer of security, increase in its budget and reforms of the police force. In Sep 2013, soon after the Westgate Mall attack, Lenku started the rolling out of a security framework called Nyumba Kumi anchored on society policing. It aimed to bring to the doorstep of the people the mandate to ensure their safety by knowing who their neighbours are as a security plan. But there were many attacks in the country.

Lack of skills

Critics of Joseph Ole Lenku argued that he was not up to the task. They cited his lack of prior background in security affairs and demanded his sacking. On the 2^nd of December 2014, he was replaced by Major General Joseph Nkaissery. Lenku was the 1st to leave Kenyatta’s cabinet.

Kajiado County Governor

Lenku announced that he would be seeking the Kajiado County governor’s post in the 2017 general polls. Ole Lenku said that the area was suffering from poor leadership. Over 10 elected County assembly members and 200 elders drawn from at least 3 wards endorsed him as the preferred person for the seat. Later on, they accused Joseph Ole Lenku of inciting youth during the Kajiado political campaign rallies. Currently, Ole Lenku serves as the Chairman of Societies Regulatory Authority whose mandate it is to license Sacco Societies to accept deposit-taking Sacco business in the country.

David Rudisha

David Daniel Rudisha

Known as the King in Kenya, his homeland, David Rudisha was born as a Maasai in Narok County, southwest of Kenya. Although a world famous super sports star, he is known to be softly spoken and completely unassuming. David married Lizzy Naanyu in 2010. They have two daughters. In 2014, there came out a rumor about Rudisha’s extramarital affair, but he has denied it. He serves as a police officer through the county’s national service program. Rudisha has said that he’s avoided taking a sports supplement in his career and that he likes to eat natural food.

Irish missionary coach

Colm O’Connell, a 67-year-old Irish missionary trained Rudisha. Colm had no background in running or coaching before he began coaching runners. But in his interviews, O’Connell has said that he has trained around 25 world and Olympic champions, and that includes Rudisha, in the remote town of Iten. In his semi-scientific approach of coaching, he made sure he takes into consideration the athlete’s personality. In 2016, he reported that he and Rudisha have split.

Tribute to father

The sports star gave one of the most pulsating performances and won gold at the Olympic Games 2012 in London. He ran against fellow Kenyans Ferguson Cheruiyot Rotich and Alfred Kipketer. Sadly, the stadium was just a quarter full to see for the first time a Kenyan to retain such an Olympic title. He gave the gold medal to his father Daniel and returned the favor after his father gave his silver medal to a young David years ago to inspire him. His father, Daniel Rudisha, was a member of the men’s 4x400m team of Kenya and won a silver medal at the Mexico City Olympics Games 1968.

Past athletic career

In 2006, David won his first international medal at the World Junior Championships in Beijing. The International Association of Athletics Federation named him the Male Athlete of the Year 2010. Kenyan star David Rudisha has continued to accumulate accolades and medals since then. He is a two-time world and Olympic champion in the two-lap event. He is the first and only athlete in history since Peter Snell of New Zealand in 1964 to hold the record of 1:40:91 for the 800m race. Rudisha is also a record holder in the 400m run. Four years later, he won gold again for the second time at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. He was adamant that it was his best achievement yet. Besides, he holds the past two titles from the Daegu and Beijing World Championships in 2011 and 2015 respectively.

Gold medal aspiration

After the London Olympics, David faced a series of injuries. Because of his knee injury, he couldn’t compete in World Championships 2013. But David Rudisha is a great stoic. His upper body remains perfectly still when he runs. David’s face seldom betrays emotion even when the pressure is piling on. His intention to win the 800m gold for the third time at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 looks a realistic one.

Masai men

Joseph Lenku’s and David Rudisha’s brief life stories are in direct contrast to the typical lifestyle of the Maasais. Their past achievements and future aspirations deserve applauds and compliments considering their backward backgrounds. Truly, human beings’ awe-inspiring determination and unmistakable resilient nature is palpable even in the remotest corner of Kenya.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About David Rudisha

What is David Rudisha tribe called?

David Rudisha tribe is called Maasai. He is the renowned Kenyan athlete and double Olympic champion in the 800 meters race. He was born and raised in Kilgoris, Narok county, which is located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya. As a member of the Maasai tribe, Rudisha takes pride in his heritage and has been recognised as a Maasai warrior for his remarkable athletic achievements. His success and connection to his tribe have made him a source of inspiration for many.

Was Lizzy Naanyu married to David Rudisha?

Yes, Lizzy Naanyu was married to David Rudisha. They tied the knot in Kilgoris in 2010 in a traditional Maasai wedding ceremony.

What are Maasais?

The Maasais people are a Nilotic ethnic group that inhabits southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They have a rich culture and traditional way of life that is closely tied to their livestock, particularly cattle. The Maasai are known for their distinctive attire, which includes bright-coloured cloth wrapped around their bodies, intricate beadwork, and traditional ornaments.

Who was Daniel Rudisha?

Daniel Rudisha was a Kenyan sprint athlete who competed primarily in the 400 meters. He was born on August 11, 1945, and passed away on March 6, 2019. Daniel Rudisha won a silver medal in the 4×400 meters relay at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. He was also the father of David Rudisha, a 2-time Olympic 800 meters champion and world record holder in the event.

Was Lizzy Naanyu married to David Rudisha?

Yes, Lizzy Naanyu was married to David Rudisha. They had their wedding in 2010, in a private ceremony. However, there have been reports of challenges and frustrations in their marriage, as mentioned by Lizzy Naanyu in a Facebook post. The current status of David Rudisha-Lizzy Naanyu relationship may have changed since those reports. It’s always recommended to refer to the latest news or official statements for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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